People asked to follow protocols
Banks, exchange houses, and finance companies can also operate, with their customer areas closed to all except those who need to complete necessary transactions, while maintaining the protocols determined by the Central Bank of Oman.
Construction and contracting firms can continue to work at their field sites after 7 pm, provided they do not leave those areas until after 4 am the next day. The same rules are in place for employees in factories and warehouses and include those involved in loading and unloading goods in these areas.
With stores closing early and running at reduced capacities, Dr Ahmed Al Hooti, the head of economic research at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), asked people to finish their shopping well in advance, to avoid the possible spread of infection.
“We see that a lot of people put their shopping off until closing time, and then rush to the shops to complete last-minute purchases for their families,” he said. “When you have this sort of overcrowding, it can lead to a spread of infection, a rise in case numbers, and this will lead to stricter measures by the government – I am sure none of us want that.
“During the Eid holidays, you have a lot of time in the morning, so please go then – plan your shopping in advance instead of being complacent and postponing it,” added Al Hooti, who is also an OCCI board member. “We all know the seriousness of this pandemic, so let us not take it lightly.”
Essential healthcare personnel, emergency vehicles, and those that provide electricity and water services are also permitted to move about during the period of the ban, as are employees at private hospitals, pharmacy workers, under Ministry of Health regulations, and those employed at airports and seaports.
Transport lorries weighing more than three tonnes, and water and wastewater tankers can also move on the roads. Employees in oil fields and those working the night shift at petrol stations, under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) can also work during the hours of the ban. Tyre and vehicle repair services, and shops in these stations, can also function, but only up to three customers are allowed at any time. Shops that repair fishing boats and sell the relevant gear can also remain open.
Print and media publications whose employees need to work after the ban comes into effect must be issued a pass by the Ministry of Information authorising them to do so. Similar passes must be provided by the relevant bodies to health and safety inspectors, technicians, and judicial persons. Fishermen, beekeepers, and food labs are also permitted to work under the conditions of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
The central market for fruits and vegetables, and all slaughterhouses are also free to operate, but at 50 per cent capacity.